Tuesday, March 12, 2013

When we went to Florida back in January, the online travel agency (Orbitz, I think) offered priced matching. And wouldn’t you know, our flights went on sale (after our purchase) so we had a generous hotel credit. Since we were nervous they’d take it all back any day, we drove up to visit New York City to blow the wad.I have one word for NYC – diverse. And that’s a good thing, in my opinion. Because the kids in our family run in ages from 6 to 17 (gulp) we fit right in. We tried to do something for all, we ended up doing a lil’ Brooklyn Basketball and a lil’ bit Night at the Museum (Museum of Natural history) and a teeny bit Central Park. Yours truly figured out the subway system, thank.you.very.much, eyes rolling, head shaking, and two snaps up, let’s hear it for the girls! The whole train ledge thing completely freaked Kya out though, except for the lady who brought along her lap dog on the train, she liked that part.I was being lazy again and refused to look “touristy” with the DSLR, so all I have are iphone pics to share. I’m pretty sure this is a phone system with direct access to police and fire. Doesn’t it have an old school charm about it? Can you see the grainy texture from years of touching up paint? HOMAGE graffiti sticker, so NYC, yes? Well, I’d never seen one before so I quick snapped this pic before we skedaddled on home. I still love it. I didn’t have the nerve to test it so we’ll just have to assume that it works just fine.We got home early enough for me to fill the car and purge, purge & mo’ purge. And that’s my weekend in a nutshell. How was yours?P.S. In my purge against all things excess, I quit reading blogs at work so I could focus on…work. I’m waaaay behind in my reader but I’m all caught up at work, imagine that!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

My oldest son turns 17 today, siiiiiiigh, it’s bittersweet. (I wrote this yesterday and had to keep change the wording today/tomorrow. I felt that if I pushed publish before his bday, it might not happen. Is it humility? Superstition? or am I just a goofball.)For our bunch February/March is Birthday Season, between me and my sisters, our family has 5 birthdays in two weeks. We finally got wise and made it a one weekend deal. I even suggested going out for FroYo tonight instead of having more cake. I am having a hard time with this birthday, I am so proud, humbled and thankful. And yet I am still anxious, worried and concerned. My own Dad was very eager for my 40th birthday last year, I think I understand now. As a parent the concern never turns off, like ever.So yes, I’m a little unsettled today, but I wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, I think I deserve this little button found on etsy, I actually think it’d be even cuter if the Hubbs was wearing it.

Monday, February 25, 2013

You have to say that in your best Tony Montana voice. You know, Tony Montana from Scarface. Anyway, after our last snafu with the IKEA cabinets, we went back and snagged this Besta model. I love that it is practically dust-free and holds the blankets. Oh yea. I am very happy with it thus far. Ours is missing the feet, the expensive feet. Ikea recommends 5 pair for this model, 5x10 = $50. Ugh, I bought them, I just can’t bring myself to add them, not until I am certain I can’t find something better (and less expensive). The purpose of the trip was to grab the smaller cabs to fit in here, the bonus room/study/den/craftroom. I am still working on getting it clean and ready to use. Don’t you love a great before and after, I sure hope I’ll have one for you. This poor room hasn’t looked good for 7 years, ever. It’s always been the dumping grounds for stuff.But for now I have been purging old crap. Purging crap is cleansing for the soul. Your brain and body both agree that some stuff is just stuff and it’s ok to let it go… feels so good to let it go and free up your mind for something else more worthy.Ok before I go, did you know, there are only a few days left for a seasonal favorite…… Girl Scout Cookies! I bought some today (again) - Thank you’s (cause they’re the perfect thank you/thinking of you gift), Lemonades & Thin mints. Mmmmmmm. I’m hearing they freeze well, I just may have to test that theory. Tell me what’s your favorite flavor? Mine is Thin Mints, hands down. But if they ever bring back the chocolate chip, I’d go chippy all they way. Alright, gotta go, my age is showing, because really who else remembers the chocolate chip Girl Scout Cookie?P.S. Have you seen this little guy, adorbs. I could kiss ‘em, LIKE A BOSS!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Have you heard the saying that clutter attracts clutter. It’s true (at least it is for me). For the time being, I’ve set up a little sorting station in my bedroom of all places. But I do have a master plan in mind. I bought that cheapie blue organizer from Target for $3, now I just have to narrow down my filing categories. You know what doesn’t help, the fact that I save ev-ery-thing; birthday cards, holiday cards, kids art, kids report cards, tickets to parks, tickets to shows, maps from parks, hotel keys, hotel maps, I’m a hoarding mess. I am working on it.And then there is the office/bonus room/study/den. We specifically requested that alcove, wall cubby thingy. The husband was to build a shelf. 6 years later….no shelf. In his defense, we went to IKEA last weekend and bought some AKURUM pieces that fit perfect, on paper. We put it together this weekend and it was 1/4in-1/2in too big. I could have cried. After the mock tears, we decided to try it in the family room. (I’m just noticing this room gets great light even at night)Lengthwise it is perfect, nicely centered. And I also like that there is only one area to dust – the top. I even picked out some living room appropriate drawer pulls over at Anthropologie. The only caveat is the depth, it’s great for holding blankets, baskets, etc. but it takes up a lot of space coming away from the wall :/ It’s deep.I spent some time today researching different cabinets combos while trying to use the most of what we already have. 36 (already have) + 15+18 = 71 (3 inches breathing room)36 (already have) + 21+12 = 71 (3 inches breathing room)I haven’t done the $$$ total yet though on the different options. But the hardest part will be convincing The Man of the House. Because if I remember correctly last night he said, ‘this thing cannot be moved, so don’t even think about it’…He knows me too well. What have you been up to, any unofficial resolutions for clearing clutter?

Saturday, February 2, 2013

It’s Groundhog Day 2013 here in Pennsylvania. A big deal is made about whether or not Punxsutawney Phil, a famous local groundhog will see his shadow.

If he sees his shadow: 6 more weeks of WinterIf he does not see his shadow: an early SpringI have heard about this my whole life but never paid it much attention, never occurred to me that this wasn’t an every where kinda thing until last night. Kya has been all over it – there was no shadow today and I sure hope an early Spring is on the way cause it is freezing and snowing out right now. Double whammy.All the spots I dinged up on the wall hanging frames. Silly now how I let fear paralyze me from trying something so small.Still want to add just one more frame under the white frame, rules of 3s, power of 3s, something like that. I will probably spray paint the black frame white and take down the picture over on the right. Just feels like one watercolor too many. Neon Goodwill stickers and all, this is home.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

We've been hanging out with the Mouse and his peeps down in Orlando.I didn't take my camera, I just didn't want that job.In hindsight, I should have borrowed a smaller one to take some good shots. (But my idea of a vacation is no worries and I would have fretted about losing or damaging someone else's camera.)

Here are my hits and misses:- Disney is the master of eyecandy, for sure.- I can not imagine changing diapers there among everything else. Wait until they kids are potty trained at least - older if you can.- Use the free perks (buses, monorails, parades, showtimes), etc. - It was the 3rd time for my boys (ages 13.5 & 16.5) yet they enjoyed it far more than Kya (age 6). That really surprised me, I expected it the other way around.- I didn't have a plan intentionally, but in hindsight I probably should have scheduled something princessy for Kya.- Yessss, to Disney coasters.- Yes to SeaWorld shows. - Download the waittimes app- Flats, flats, flats, don't even think about your favorite wedges or heels. - Choose to either open the park or close it, not both. - Travel light. "No bags lanes" get you in faster. Staying onsite does too.- Change your cast if you can, ex. one day it was me & the kids another it was me, Haik and Kya. - Grab a map at each park (can't believe this part wasn't paperless)- We stayed about 7-10 miles out of Disney and even a nervous driver like me found it simple to navigate, with my friend Garmin of course.- Disney bathrooms, casts and crews get 5 stars from me. - You are always 5-10 steps away from assistance. All the parks were fully staffed at each interval. - Average was $10 for lunch meals (tenders/sandwich and fries), $5 snacks (popcorn, cotton candy, etc). - This was my 2nd time and I enjoyed it far more this time for sure. I'd say it's because I participated (less worrying) and my kids were older.Quick backstory: Upon arrival in the airport I walked alongside a family with a child who was getting over being sick. That set the stage for my entire trip, helped me with a more positive perspective.Anyone else have Disney plans in their near future? how about Hawaii, that's ones been on my wish list for a looooooong time.

Monday, January 14, 2013

After looking at some online pics today from last nights Golden Globes, I was so frustrated seeing an actress' rib cage revealed in a photo showing off the back of her dress. At first I wanted to re-post it, bad mouthing her and other celebs for overdoing this super skinny era we are living in. Ugh to thinspo, it's gone too far, no?

I am just annoyed with our obsession with thin. Myself included. But instead I will follow my own advice and stay positive. I only wish to encourage all to find a healthy balance. For moderation is the key to life.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I went with a No Excuses policy over Holiday break. I decided to bake, color and be present with the kids. So when it snowed, I blew up the tubes and went out to play too.Kya could not stop eating the snow!The real fun was in the tubing. The kids scouted out the hill with the most slip (in the neighbors yard) and they were off. No one took MY picture, but it was fun to join in. I slid down twice! I would’ve gone more but I didn’t have anyone to hold my camera. I’m hoping to keep up the spirit, #lifeisshort, Cheers!

Monday, January 7, 2013

You know how some frames have those two triangle thingies to attach the frame to the wall. Did you know you can use a piece of inexpensive wire to attach the two triangle thingies to form one attachment. This way one you only need to measure once (so less exactness, less margin for error) and it also means only one hole in the wall, double bonus. I found this tip on a frame I bought from the Goodwill. I found that floral wire works, I double or triple it. I’ve used this tip at least twice since! A tip that good, I had to share. I bought this print on Black Friday for 50% off; seeing as how this one was still incomplete a year later. It’s already up and I love it. Mostly, I just love having one less thing to do.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

I was home for eleven days over the Christmas Holiday with the family and let me tell you, it was glor-i-ous. But before we each headed back into our day-to-day rigmaroles, I shared the above print along with this post on each pillow.In short, go forth and prosper, make it epic....not when you move, not when lose 5 pounds, not when you get more followers, not when you get more money, not when you have kids, not when you get a new car, not when you get a new job, not when the kids move out, not when you move to a new house, sometimes we live behind excuses. But tomorrow isn't promised, life is about living, why not start now.Happy 2013, let's make it EPIC ;)